Dunya Wine Bar: Genuine Gem on Polk

Saturday Night Date: October 9, 2010 @ 6:15 PM (Part 2)
Saturday Date Night (Part I): Visit to the Pez Museum and Memorabilia

I walked in to Dunya with my sweetie Enrique expecting for the worse.  Of course I did not tell him this since I am the "designated" date night planner.  After reviewing so many mixed reviews about Dunya, I was expecting inconsistent food, bad service and dingy wine bar on Polk Street. Since we were already compromised because I purchased a Groupon that was about to expire next month, I thought we had to go.

Little did I know that Enrique and I were about to have one of the  nicest casual Saturday Date Night dinners at a wine bar ever.

Dunya is tiny. What it lacked in space, it made up for its tasteful yet simple contemporary/rustic decor.  The burgundy walls were adorned with romantic jazzy artworks.

A handsome wooden bar stocked with wine bottles was at the far side of the room. Wine vats were used as focal point. A big blackboard lists the "suggested wine list." Across from the bar is a tiny open kitchen.

Enrique and I got the best seats in the house, in my humble opinion.  We were seated by the door at the the L-shaped lounge bench which enabled both of us to have a good view of the wine bar.  It was a good place to go people-watching which at the time we were there was a fun side activity. The place was very festive and happening with people enjoying bottles of wine.

The service was impeccable! Between the server and the bus boy, we felt really taken care of. They were friendly yet relaxed--none of that pretentious "you-are-at the-wine-bar" kind of attitude. Enrique's soda was always filled and our water glasses always topped off.

For starters, we had the MEDITERRANEAN PLATE of homemade Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Yogurt and Pita $10. This plate was so delicious! Everything was definitely homemede and tasted fresh! We asked for a second basket of complimentary bread after we finished the warm pita bread triangles to finish off our Mediterranean Plate. The plate pretty much looked like we licked it clean by the time we left this apps alone!

I had the SEAFOOD RISOTTO $20 made with arborio rice, white wine, veggies, scallops and prawns topped with parmesan. This dish came to me piping hot and so delicious! The risotto could have been creamier but I have no complaints. Just so flavorful and the asparagus were still crunchy. The 2 prawns and 2 scallops were tender and fresh. A perfect comfort food! The portion was huge that I only ate half and took the rest home.

Enrique ordered the RACK OF LAMB WITH PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES AND SPINACH $20. Now for someone who is not a lamb person and who does not usually rave about his food, Enrique said, "Very good!" That's saying a lot!  He thought the lamb was a little sweet which I told him was probably the mint jelly. He cleaned those bones and finished the whole thing!



We ordered a Lemon Pie $6  to go which looked like a casualty of war when we got home.

The only thing I was not so thrilled with was my wine. I had a glass of German Riesling  $6 which was described as crisp and sweet. To me it was flat with very short finish. I could not complain though because for the price and generously poured, it was a fair sale.

Overall, I am so glad we went to Dunya. We enjoyed every minute of our date night at this teeny wine bar from the delicious food, very friendly service and cozy ambiance. And I am already craving that Risotto right now!

Tab: $74.00 including tax and 2 Diet Cokes before tip and  $30  Groupon.

Parking Garages are available on Sacramento Street between $8 to $12.

FOODIE GIRL'S OVERALL RATING: 5
Food: 5
Decor/Ambiance: 4
Service: 5

Key:


0 Star: Never again!!! These people should not be in business.
1 Star: Chalk it to bad experience. Live and learn.
2 Stars: Very disappointing but there it has some good things to offer.
3 Stars: It is okay but do not expect much. I will still return.
4 Stars: I like it! I will be singing your praises!
5 Stars: I will be dreaming of you at night!
6 Stars: Perfection (or close to!)


http://www.dunyasf.com/